One Piece: Gear 5 Screening

Introduction:

The first-ever anime screening event at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) took place with electrifying enthusiasm and excitement on Sunday, 9:00 pm 13th August, 2023. The event was centred around the highly anticipated showcase of the single greatest powerup in anime history, Gear 5 of One Piece. It drew in a huge crowd of avid anime enthusiasts among the IIT KGP janta who were eager to experience the thrill of watching their favourite show on the big (larger-than-life) screen with their friends.

Motivation for the event:

The revelation of Luffy's Gear Fifth transformation in the beloved anime and manga series "One Piece" sent shockwaves through the internet, causing an unprecedented surge in online activity. Fans worldwide were left awestruck as they witnessed Luffy's astounding power evolution, with his body adorned in enigmatic and awe-inspiring new abilities. This sparked an electrifying wave of fervour and exhilaration among the vibrant anime and manga loving community of IIT Kharagpur students. The hostels buzzed with energy as students from diverse disciplines united in their shared enthusiasm, organising impromptu gatherings and viewing parties in their rooms/labs to collectively join in the revelation and forge lasting bonds over their mutual adoration for this groundbreaking moment of One Piece. MASK took this opportunity to amplify the excitement to a fever pitch by organising a screening of the three latest episodes: E1070, E1071 & E1072, in Netaji Auditorium, the theatre hall of IIT KGP.

Event Highlights:

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as excited students formed a spirited crowd outside “Netaji Auditorium”, eagerly waiting to join in on the excitement for the historic anime screening event, the first of many more to come. Almost an hour before the event's commencement, a dedicated crowd showed up early, determined to claim the best seats in the house. Their enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting the fervour and passion that One Piece fans held for this exclusive experience. As the doors finally swung open, the early birds revelled in their victory, occupying the centre rows with triumphant smiles, ready to immerse themselves in the world of One Piece. The organisers, MASK, had spared no effort in creating an immersive experience, by booking the revered theatre which is complete with comfortable seating arrangements, high-quality projection equipment, and surround sound. Attendees were treated to a visually stunning journey into the world of One Piece as they awaited the unveiling of the much-talked-about Gear 5.

Pre-Screening Activities:

In the spirited pre-screening activity organised by MASK, they displayed their creative prowess through captivating Anime Music Video (AMV) showcases. With an artful blend of iconic anime scenes, meticulously timed to a harmonious medley of music, the AMV captivated the audience and set the stage for an immersive anime experience. The skillful editing, emotional resonance, and sheer dedication showcased in the AMV highlighted the depth of talent within the AMV team of MASK, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the main event of the One Piece, Gear 5 screening. There were three AMVs showcased from Garden of Words, School Babysitters and Assasination Classroom, prior to which the theatre echoed with music from Radwimps from the beloved anime movie, Your Name, while masterfully showcasing the MASK logo on screen.

Screening Experience:

As the lights dimmed and the opening credits of One Piece rolled on the big screen, a wave of anticipation swept through the audience. The three episodes were stitched together with the recaps and endings skipped, forming one cohesive storyline which snugly fit within the runtime of one hour. The screening delivered on its promises, showcasing intense battles, emotional moments, and unexpected plot twists. Gasps, cheers, and laughter echoed through the auditorium as the audience was fully immersed in the world of pirates, adventure, and camaraderie. The screening experience was a rollercoaster of emotions, taking the audience on an unforgettable journey through the world of One Piece. Gasps filled the room during the shocking turn of events in episode 1070, as the unexpected death of Luffy left hearts heavy and eyes glistening with emotion. However, the atmosphere shifted in episode 1071, when the much-anticipated Gear 5 was finally unveiled in a jaw-dropping sequence, igniting cheers of awe and admiration from the captivated audience. The intensity escalated further in episode 1072, as the electrifying showdown between Luffy and the formidable Kaido unfolded, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with adrenaline coursing through their veins. The screening seamlessly blended heart-wrenching moments, thrilling revelations, and pulse-pounding action, creating an immersive experience that left a lasting impression on every attendee.

Post-Screening:

The post-screening atmosphere was electric with enthusiastic students craving for more. The excitement was undeniable as the credits rolled, with few students coming up to MASK members with echoing requests for additional anime screenings. There were passionate pleas for series like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer to grace the screen next. The event's success had ignited a hunger for further immersive anime experiences, showcasing the growing demand within the community of IIT Kgp. It was evident that the event organised by MASK had successfully created a sense of belongingness among anime and manga enthusiasts at IIT Kharagpur.

Conclusion:

The anime screening of One Piece: Gear 5 marked a significant milestone in the cultural landscape of IIT Kharagpur. The first anime screening event not only provided a platform for students to come together and celebrate their love for anime but also showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of the organising committee, MASK, in creating a memorable experience. The success of this inaugural event paves the way for future anime screenings and related activities at the institution, solidifying the place of anime in the hearts of IIT Kharagpur's vibrant student community.